out&about IN

07.16.10-08.07.10

$12-$69 In what has become the longest-running theatrical event in North Texas, the Festival of Independent Theaters is back for its 12th year, featuring productions from eight different companies. From the whimsical recount of “Alice in Wonderland” to the musical styles of cabaret performer Denise Lee, there’s something for everyone. Plus, the monthlong festival highlights four world premieres and five regional debuts. The lineup includes: “Alice in Wonderland” by White Rock Pollution; “Bible Women” by Echo Theatre; “Feeding the Moonfish” by WingSpan Theatre Company; “Georgie Gets a Facelift” by Churchmouse Productions; “The Muse” by The Drama Club; “Once More, With Feeling” by Second Thought Theatre; “Purgatory, a Bedroom Farce” by The McClarey Players; and “The Turquoise Pontiac” by One Thirty Production. Shows are under an hour and run Thursdays through Saturdays at the Bath House Cultural Center, 512 E. Lawther. Two-week passes are $49, four-week passes are $69, and individual tickets for Friday and Saturday evenings are $16. Otherwise, each showing is $12. For showtimes and other details, visit dallasculture.org.

07.01, 07.08, 07.15, 07.22 & 07.25

COOL THURSDAYS $8-$16 This month’s lineup for the Dallas Arboretum’s Cool Thursdays Concert Series begins with disco band Le Freak. Then comes Key West The Band, Professor D, 4 Way Street and Fast Lane. The shows start at 7:30 each night. 8525 Garland, 214.515.6518, dallasarboretum.org.

07.02 OPEN MIC READING

FREE Join poets and listeners as they gather for an open mic night at 7 p.m. at Half Price Books, 5803 E. Northwest Highway. Look for the event on the first Friday of each month.

07.03 FOURTH OF JULY

PARADE FREE Close to 4,000 people are expected to gather at the Lake Highlands Exchange Club’s annual Fourth of July Parade and Carnival at North Highlands Bible Church, 9626 Church Road. Those who want to participate in the float contest should arrive before 8:30 a.m. to enter. The parade starts at 9 a.m. and goes to the high school, ending at about 9:45. Then the carnival kicks off at the Lake Highlands North Rec center, featuring a rock wall, hot dog eating contest, balloon artist and five bounce houses. For more details, call 214.802.8919.

EMILY TOMAN

07.18 TOO HOT TO HANDLE 5K &15K $35-$50 If you can brave the 100-plus degree heat to participate in this run, you’ll receive a free T-shirt and other goodies. Plus, the registration fee supports the Protective Animal League. Both the 5k and 15k begin at 7:30 a.m. at White Rock Lake’s Norbuck Park near Buckner and Mockingbird. To register, visit runontexas.com.

07.22&07.23 NORTH TEXAS

FESTIVAL OF DRUMS AND BUGLES

$25-$45 Drum Corps International will present a two-day showcase, featuring world-class drum corps from all across the country. It starts at 7 p.m. each night in Wildcat Stadium at Lake Highlands High School, 9449 Church. For more information, visit dci.org or call 317.275.1212.

Caf Kiddos

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING BESIDES

A GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH and French fries to satisfy your child’s appetite, Café Lago has lots of options. Its most popular: the noodles. They come with homemade marinara sauce and a choice of grilled chicken or salmon. “That’s when you can tell the kids are really developing a palate,” owner Gabriela Kovacic says. The menu also includes Kiddie Kold Kuts, a simple and easy choice for toddlers. It has turkey, ham, cheddar, pickles and tomato slices served finger-food style. There’s also a dog menu and dog-friendly patio, so the kids don’t have to leave their furry companions at home. Also, when you order from the kids’ menu, you’re helping feed a hungry child. Fifteen percent of proceeds benefit the North Texas Food Bank’s Food 4 Kids program, which provides a backpack full of food for children while they’re not in school.

—EMILY TOMAN

CAFÉ LAGO

GARLAND & BUCKNER

214.320.0726

CAFÉ-LAGO.COM

AUDELIA &

HILL 214.349.2233

HIGHLANDSCAFE.COM too, with most regular dishes under $9 and children’s items under $4.

NORTHWEST HIGHWAY & FERNDALE 214.503.0388

TONYSPIZZAPASTA.NET

3 PICASSO’S

Whether dine-in, take-out or delivery, Picasso’s has a sizable kids’ menu with healthy side choices like steamed broccoli and fresh fruit.

SKILLMAN & WALNUT HILL 214.553.8100

PICASSOSPIZZA.COM